Haleakala

Haleakala (spelling might be off) is the major volcano on Maui and I think one of the major ones in Hawaii. It is 10,000 feet in elevation and used to be higher. So traveling up the volcano is about 40 - 60 min of short switch backs, taking you from sea level to the peak. It is incredible not to mention very nausiating. We had to stop and walk around a few times so I didn't get too sick. But by the time we got down the volcano - I was so sick, we had to stop and take a major break/lunch so I could adjust. I have to say though, where we stopped had a little deli and they had the best ceasar salads and sandwhiches we have had in a long time - better than most and they were pre-prepared!?

The drive itself is amazing as you go from beaches to lush farm land to higher elevations looking a lot like the deserted stretches in Utah and New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and then .... nothing. No vegetation, nothing. We went through the clouds up to looking over the tops of all of them to the other volcano's and other islands. It was so amazing. But oh so cold!!!

I think when we left it was 75 - 80º and once we stepped out of the car it was high 30's to low 40's. We were not prepared clothing wise or wind wear either. The wind speeds had to be up to 50 mph or so, probably not - but if felt that way! It was an amazing experience. My eyes watered, and my cheeks felt chapped withing seconds of being outside. Not to mention John and I both were a little dizzy and headachy from the drastic change in altitude!